Every kilometre of this journey tells a different story — of resilience, culture and raw natural beauty. You’ll drive roads built by soldiers returning from war, walk through forests older than the continent itself and stand where sea meets stone in a battle that’s been going on for millennia. One minute you’re watching the Twelve Apostles get pounded by the waves, the next you’re sipping tea in a mountain valley listening to kookaburras laugh in the distance. It’s the kind of trip that leaves a mark — not just on your camera roll but somewhere much deeper.
Highlights
- Experience a journey along the Great Ocean Road, a National Heritage Listed site, and visit the iconic Memorial Arch.
- Immerse yourself in nature with a lush rainforest stroll through the lush Great Otway National Park.
- Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic vistas from the 12 Apostles lookout and Loch Ard Gorge beach.
- Learning about the indigenous heritage deepens your cultural understanding at Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve.
- Encounter Australia’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and koalas.
- Discover the rugged beauty of the Grampians National Park, exploring its bush landscape.
- Admire the stunning views from Reed’s, Boroka’s, and The Balconies Lookout.
- Challenge yourself with an impressive hike to the summit of the Pinnacle scenic Lookout.
- Unwind at the base of MacKenzie Waterfalls, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Details
- Tour Code: GG3-B, GG3-S, GG3-P
- Operating Days: Sunday, Thursday (November-March) / Sunday (April-October)
- Duration: 3 Days and 2 Nights
- Departure: 7:35 am from Melbourne
- Return: 5:30 pm to Melbourne
- Two nights of lodging (hostel/resort)
- Expertly led nature hikes (approximately 6.5km total)
- Exciting encounters with iconic Australian wildlife
- Intimate small-group touring experience
- Informative tour narration
- Led by a seasoned driver-guide.
For those short on time or not interested in hiking through the Grampians National Park, consider our 2-Day Great Ocean Road tour and Grampians adventure. We also highly recommend checking out our tour from Melbourne to Adelaide.
Tour Reviews
What you can actually see
Full Itinerary
See all of Victoria’s top attractions on our 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour – a fantastic road trip of the best bits. By combining these destinations and overnighting, you can really get into each highlight. Your first night will be in Warrnambool at the end of the Great Ocean Road, and your second night will be in the heart of the Grampians National Park at Halls Gap, surrounded by bush and mountain spectacular views.
Day 1 – Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
Start your 3-day Victorian adventure by driving along the famous Great Ocean Road, which is famous for its ocean views and surfing spots. Keep an eye out for koalas along the way, and stop in the quaint coastal town of Apollo Bay for lunch. Then take a guided walk through the ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park. After that, explore the shipwreck coast, home to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Overnight in Warrnambool.
Accommodation: Downtown Motel offers Private Double/Twin/Single Rooms with ensuite facilities and Triple Shared Accommodation with a shared bathroom or an equivalent option.
Distance by car: 360km.
Day 2 – Great Ocean Road to the Grampians
Next day, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Wildlife Reserve, an old volcano with Aboriginal heritage and loads of wildlife. Then up to the Pinnacle lookout for a stunning view of the Grampians. Conclude the day with a classic Australian barbecue and overnight in Halls Gap.
Accommodation: Stay in private rooms with ensuite at Gariwerd Motel or opt for shared accommodation with a shared bathroom at Grampians Eco YHA or a similar alternative.
Meal options include breakfast and dinner.
The driving distance is 190km, and the hike distance totals 4.5km.
Day 3 – Grampians to Melbourne
On the last day of the trip, trek to the bottom of Mackenzie Falls and then visit other famous places like Boroka Lookout and The Balconies. After an incredible couple of days exploring coastlines and mountain ranges, we head back to Melbourne, arriving at approximately 5:30 pm.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.
Driving Distance: 290km.
Hike Distance: 2km.
Additional information
Inclusions
- Accommodation (2 Nights)
- 2 Breakfasts (Days 2 & 3)
- 1 Dinner (Day 2)
- Friendly and informative tour guide
- All National Park entry fees
- Courtesy hostel/hotel pickup
Pickup Times And locations
Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
- 6:55 – Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne
- 7:00 – Ibis on Therry, 15-21 Therry St, Melbourne
- 7:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
- 7:10 – Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collin St, Melbourne
- 7:15 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St, Melbourne (Hotel Guests Only)
- 7:25 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne
- 7:35 – Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St cnr Market St, Melbourne
If you are still looking for your desired pickup location, please contact our office for a comprehensive list of sites.
It is highly advisable to arrive at your pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please remain calm and patient if your bus runs a few minutes behind schedule. If your bus has not arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time, kindly contact our office at 03 9393 1300.
Discover the private tour groups! Reach out to our incredible charters team at [email protected] to unlock unforgettable adventures.
Pricing Options
Tour With Hostel Dorm accommodation: $ 565 per person
Age Restrictions: 18 +
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Helicopter flight over 12 Apostles $ 165
If you’re looking for a private group tour, contact our charters team at [email protected] for more information.
Private room upgrades?
Private Double, Twin or Single ensuite room upgrades can be purchased through our lead business partner, Autopia Tours. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Need To Bring
- Water Bottle - 2L
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Prescribed medications
- Camera
- All-weather clothing
- A sense of adventure!
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- Remember to double-check your exciting tour plans with the tour operator! Just ring them at 03 9393 1300 within seven days of your departure.
- Before you embark on your adventure, let the tour perform the operator's pre-existing medical conditions.
Check Availability & Book
FAQ
Where is halfway on Great Ocean Road?
Mid Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay. Surrounded by hills and the ocean, perfect to relax and enjoy the journey.
What accommodation options are there?
Private rooms with en-suite or shared rooms with shared facilities. Both options are cozy and cater to different tastes and budgets.
Meals included?
You can have two breakfasts and two dinners. For other meals, there are stops on the way where food can be bought.
Can we cater for special dietary needs?
We can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice. Please let us know if you have any specific needs or restrictions when booking.
What level of fitness is required to enjoy the tour fully?
To undertake the walks, a fitness level ranging from moderate to advanced is usually required as they can stretch up to 3km long and mostly go through inclining difficult landmasses in a sunny environment. Security will be ensured by leading every walk.
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